“Another extortion avenue,” Nigerians react as FCT police ban tinted vehicle windows to combat crime

• The FCT Police Command bans tinted vehicle glasses to curb rising criminal activities, including ‘one chance’ operations
• CP Olatunji Disu says the measure is necessary due to current security challenges in Abuja
• Nigerians on X criticise the policy, citing concerns about fairness, potential extortion, and unclear implementation

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has banned tinted vehicle glasses across the territory to tackle rising criminal activities, including ‘one chance’ operations.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, announced the directive on Tuesday, December 3, while parading suspects arrested for various crimes in Abuja. 

According to the Commissioner, the measure addresses security concerns and enhances public safety.

“All vehicle owners with tinted glasses are required to remove them immediately. Failure to comply will result in penalties, including the impoundment of vehicles,” CP Disu stated. 

Disu explained that while some individuals may have legitimate reasons for using tinted glasses, the current security situation necessitates the policy.

The police noted that criminals often exploit tinted windows to conceal their identities and illegal activities. Patrols and compliance teams have been mobilised across the FCT to enforce the directive. Residents have also been urged to cooperate with law enforcement officials to avoid inconvenience.

The Commissioner emphasised the importance of community collaboration, urging residents to report suspicious activities through designated police emergency lines. “The safety of residents remains our top priority,” he assured.

As part of its crime prevention efforts, the police have impounded 296 vehicles for various violations, including using tinted glasses, driving with one license plate, and using concealed or defaced number plates.

CP Disu also revealed that police operatives successfully thwarted five ‘one chance’ robbery attempts and rescued three abducted victims. “These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of our proactive strategies and underscore the importance of public support in combating crime,” he said.

The directive highlights the FCT Police Command’s unwavering commitment to curbing criminal activities and ensuring the safety of all residents in the nation’s capital.

Nigerians react to the ban

The announcement has sparked widespread reactions on X (formerly Twitter), with many Nigerians questioning the implementation and fairness of the directive.

@OGBENI_BAMABAM: “Tell the politician your People are following around to remove their tints glasses first and others will follow, it’s just your inconsistency over the years with this tint and no tint along many other pronouncements, It’s okay for some people to do somethings while it’s not okay for others 🥴.”

@iamhistory_: “They have just created extortion Avenue for police this Yuletide period.😆”

@femiwole: “Prohibited by which law? How come your men provide security for people in tinted glass vehicles?”

@Bigfrenze: “It is time for the Nigerian government to demonstrate true civilisation. As we approach 2025, it's clear that not every issue requires elimination as a solution. We can manage situations more effectively and with greater intelligence.”

@abassolamii: “Is it only in Abuja?”

@SegunOladejo_: “Remove them? What of factory fitted?”

@charoes_mamey: “Do Police create or make Laws?”

@a_cubic: “Pls can I get a permit??”

@alfiesolomonz: “Our response to crime is always primitive, a better approach is for tinted vehicles to roll down all windows when approaching a check point, failure of an individual to do so should then be  punishable by law.”

@HairsAffairs: “If the government officials and our politicians are not among or exempted this rule or law is null and void.”

@sesstweets: “Now he said Abuja but watch how the entire country will be extorted via this declaration.”

@kori_babatorpe: “Would you refund Atleast half the money I paid for the tint permit? Because now I need money to remove the tints.”

FRSC unveils new digital tools to enhance road safety, others

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that between January and July 2024, Nigeria recorded 2,776 road traffic fatalities and 16,000 injuries, according to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

Subsequently, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) introduced a new mobile app and National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) to improve road safety.